LAREDO, Texas – The Redbirds closed the gap on the field; however, were only able to climb one spot in the final day of the 2025 Border Olympics, hosted by Houston, finishing in a tie for 14th place overall in the strong field.
Day one leader Louisiana kept its lead through the final round, winning the tournament with a team score of 855. New Mexico (861), tournament host Houston (861), Michigan (863), and Rice (865) rounded out the top five schools in the tournament. Miami (870), Lipscomb (872), Sam Houston (872), Troy (874), Louisiana Monroe (880), Augusta (888), Wright State (895), and UTRGV (897) all finished ahead of ISU's 898 (304-296-298), while the Birds finished tied with Lamar (898), and ahead of Houston Christian (908).
TJ Barger was the team's top finisher for the tournament, closing his round with a one-over 72, which had him tie for 27th over the three rounds. His final round saw him card five birdies and eight pars. Alex McCulla ended play with a third-round 77 (+6), as he finished with 10 pars and a birdie in the final round to tie for 53rd overall.
Pietro Pontiggia improved over each of the tournament's three rounds, as he closed the final day with a one-over 72, as he had three birdies and a dozen pars, as he tied for 64th. Will Troy tied for 71st for the tournament, as he ended his tournament with a six-over 77, as he had three birdies and nine pars in his round. Jack Paeglow shot an eight-over 79 in the final round, and he tied for 76th individually.
Next weekend the team travels to Dorado, Puerto Rico, to compete in the Dorado Beach Collegiate, hosted by UNC Greensboro on February 23, 24, and 25.
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